The calendar might say it is summertime, but Thursday, Aug. 14, will be a day for a Blizzard.

On that day, Dairy Queen will sponsor its annual Miracle Treat Day to benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Restaurants in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia will donate to Children's Miracle Network $1 or more from every Blizzard sold. All money raised locally will stay in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia to improve children's lives.

Wellmont Health System has served as the region's Children's Miracle Network affiliate for more than 25 years. All money raised in this area is used by Wellmont to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for its pediatric departments, neonatal intensive care unit and emergency departments and to fund community partnerships that advance children's health.

Earlier this year, Holston Valley Medical Center and Wellmont Foundation launched a $2.5 million project to enhance the quality of care babies receive in the neonatal intensive care unit. Through the Next Generation fundraising campaign, Holston Valley will add valuable services and provide more space and comfort for patients and families. Funds from Children's Miracle Network will also be used to support this forward-thinking initiative.

"Children's Miracle Network partners such as Dairy Queen are essential to our success," said Todd Norris, Wellmont's senior vice president for system advancement and Wellmont Foundation's president. "Their generous support makes it possible for us to deliver high-quality, leading-edge care for children of all ages."

Children's Miracle Network donations are raised throughout the year at multiple annual events in the region. In addition to Miracle Treat Day, IHOP's National Pancake Day and the nonstop efforts by Walmart associates are some of the annual methods that have bolstered children's care.